Sony Suspends Memory Card Orders Over Chip Shortage

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Darryl Lara is a portrait and concert photographer based in the Philippines. Since 2010, he has captured performances of some of the biggest local and international artists and built a strong presence in the concert scene. In 2022, he shifted to full-time writing and editing, where he now covers photography, technology, and gaming with the same passion for storytelling that defines his photography.

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By Darryl Lara

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Last updated 03/30/2026

Sony has announced it is temporarily suspending orders for much of its CFexpress and SD memory card lineup, citing ongoing global semiconductor shortages.

In a notice published on its website, Sony said supply constraints mean it cannot meet demand “for the foreseeable future,” prompting the company to halt order acceptance from both authorized dealers and customers through its Sony Store starting March 27, 2026.

Sony added that it will resume orders once supply conditions improve, though no timeline has been provided.

Most CFexpress and SD Cards Affected

The suspension covers a large portion of Sony’s memory card portfolio, including CFexpress Type A, Type B, and SD cards across multiple capacities.

For CFexpress Type A, affected models include 240GB, 480GB, 960GB, and 1920GB variants. CFexpress Type B cards in 240GB and 480GB capacities are also impacted.

On the SD side, Sony’s TOUGH series—typically aimed at professional users—has largely been pulled from availability, along with several lower-tier V-series and V30 cards.

Only a small number of products remain in production, including the 960GB CFexpress Type B card and select entry-level SF-UZ series SD cards, highlighting the scale of the disruption.

No Timeline for Recovery

Sony says it plans to resume normal operations once the semiconductor supply stabilizes, but for now, the company is taking a wait-and-see approach.

“Regarding the resumption of order acceptance, we will consider it while monitoring the supply situation,” Sony said.

In the meantime, some existing inventory is still available through retailers like B&H Photo, though availability may tighten as stock is depleted.

Broader Impact of the Semiconductor Shortage

The ongoing shortage has already affected multiple sectors, and storage is the latest to feel the pressure. Increased demand for memory components—particularly from AI data centers—has driven up costs and limited supply.

In the PC market, prices for RAM and storage have risen significantly over the past year, in some cases doubling. Industry reports also suggest that processors could be next, with potential price increases from major chipmakers.

For photographers and videographers, the impact may be indirect but still noticeable. Higher storage costs and limited availability could affect both capture workflows and post-production, especially for those relying on high-speed media like CFexpress cards.

What It Means for Creators

For now, the biggest concern is availability. As existing stock sells through, certain Sony memory cards may become harder to find until production resumes.

While it’s unclear how long the situation will last, the announcement underscores how dependent the imaging industry remains on broader semiconductor supply chains—and how quickly disruptions can ripple across even essential accessories like memory cards.